ASHDOWN - Just how far Ashdown goes in the playoffs may depend on an improving defense.

Coach Todd Ledford's Panthers, who advanced to the state semifinals last year, converted three quick touchdowns in the first quarter and went on to a 28-0 victory over Clarksville Friday night at Dick Hayes Stadium.

The home Panthers came up with two interceptions and recovered one fumble in shutting down the visiting Panthers with 181 total yards. Clarksville tailback Justin Kremers had 162 of those yards on 23 carries.

Ashdown (7-4), the District 7-4A third-place team, now advances to play the Osceola-Dumas winner next week. Clarksville, the fourth-place team from District 4-4A, ends its season at 7-4.

"Our defense really came up big tonight, and we need that," said Ledford. "Our defense had struggled at times this season, but it has improved the last three weeks."

"Our offense looked good in spurts. But we can't afford the costly penalties that had two possible touchdowns called back in the third quarter."

It was all Ashdown in the first quarter with 145 yards total offense, resulting in three touchdowns on drives of 20, 38, and 54 yards.

Clarksville received the opening kickoff, but fumbled the ball away on its second play from scrimmage. Marcus Hill recovered and advanced the ball to the 20. Three plays later, Antwan Burris scored on a 10-yard run.

After a short punt, the Panthers took over at the visitors' 38-yard line on their second possession.

With Landon Williams chalking up 32 yards on runs of 14,13, and 5, the Panthers drove to the 2 where quarterback Shad Surber scored for a 14-0 lead.

Clarksville picked up two quick first downs on its fourth possession of the period before Williams intercepted a pass at the Ashdown 25 and returned it to the 46.

On the second play, Chris Roberts broke loose for a 46-yard run to the 7. Williams then ran it in for a touchdown and a 21-0 lead after Burris' kick.

Clarksville showed some life at start of second quarter with three first downs, moving from its 27 to the Ashdown 35. The Panthers' defense then stuffed Clarksville runners for losses of 5 and 2 yards to end the drive at the 37-yard line.

Neither team threatened thereafter until the final seconds of the first half. A 38-yard pass from Surber to Patreko Brown set the Panthers up at the Clarksville 16 with 14 seconds left. Two incomplete passes ended the half.

The only score of the second half came midway in the third quarter on Williams' 8-yard run. A 52-yard pass from Surber to Andrew Cornelius set up the touchdown. Surber hit Cornelius with a short pass near midfield and Cornelius broke several tackles along the way.